Last weekend, we once again loaded up a pickup truck with recyclable materials and headed to the solid waste transfer station. We waited in line as three other motorists unloaded their recyclable containers. Then, we backed in, dumped a huge container of plastic, paper, and cardboard into the bin, and drove off.

All for free.

Which begs the question, “Why?”

People who use the solid waste transfer station for recycling are using the solid waste transfer station. The station must be manned by an hourly employee. The recycling area must be maintained. The road and facilities are equally impacted by those delivering recycling and those delivering refuse.

There is nothing wrong with requiring users of the recycling area to help support the facility they are using.

The County Council is considering a user fee to support recycling services. We agree. We think it’s only fair that users — including us — help support the services we use.

And to those who worry it will discourage recycling, we feel that those who are already making the effort to bring in their plastic and paper products won’t mind paying a nominal fee.